Disposition of propranolol isomers in mice.

l-Propranolol was found to protect mice from hyperbaric oxygen-induced seizures. The disposition of effective doses of propranolol isomers in mice was followed using stereospecific antibodies with a radioimmunoassay procedure. Serum and tissue concentrations were determined and correlated with the protective effect. Following racemic administration, there were no differences in serum disposition of d- and l-propranolol, although there was initially a preferential uptake of the 1-isomer both into cardiac and brain tissue. The d-isomer exerted synergistic action on the 1-isomer protective effect.